Under a new joint agreement, York University and Georgian College will offer a post-RN degree program for registered nurses at Georgian's Orillia and Owen Sound campuses.
The agreement builds on a highly successful partnership between Georgian College, Seneca College and York University in offering a collaborative BScN program.
Classes for the new collaborative post-RN program will begin in September 2004. The announcement means that qualified graduates of diploma nursing programs, such as that previously offered by Georgian College, will be able to earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree in their own home area, often while working.
Starting Jan. 1, 2005, all new applicants for nursing positions in Ontario must have a BScN from a university or affiliate. Although nurses currently working with diplomas are not required to obtain university level training, many are choosing to seek a degree to increase their skills and improve their chances of advancement.
“This venture builds on the already successful partnerships between York University and Georgian College,” said Rhonda Lenton, dean of York's Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies. “As a leader in collaborative education programs, York University is pleased to be part of this innovative career solution for working RNs to study in the communities they serve.”
“This program prepares nurses for a significant role in health care for the 21st century,” said Cheryl Simpson, Georgian College vice president academic . “The program specifically provides a convenient method for working nurses in our region to earn a degree without having to leave the area. They can also be confident in the quality of teaching and learning, based on our existing partnerships with York University.”
Pat Campbell, president and CEO of Grey-Bruce Health Services said local access to a post-RN BScN program "opens a wonderful window of opportunity for working nurses in Grey and Bruce counties. Nurses who train in rural settings are much more likely to sustain access to care in this region. Our heartfelt thanks go to Georgian College and York University for their commitment to delivery of educational programs in such a collaborative and innovative way.”